What is a lab-grown diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond. It is not a simulant, not cubic zirconia, not moissanite. It is carbon — the same element, the same crystal structure, the same optical and physical properties as a diamond formed underground over billions of years.
The only difference is how it was made. Instead of forming under the earth's crust over millions of years, a lab-grown diamond is grown in a controlled environment using either High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) technology. The result is chemically, physically and optically identical to a mined diamond.
The simple test: Give a lab-grown diamond and a mined diamond to a gemologist. Without specialised equipment, they cannot tell the difference. Same hardness, same refractive index, same brilliance.
Why do they cost so much less?
Supply and scarcity. Mined diamonds are artificially scarce — the supply is controlled and the marketing has convinced generations of buyers that scarcity equals value.
Lab-grown diamonds can be produced consistently and at scale. As the technology has improved, prices have dropped significantly. Today, a lab-grown diamond of equivalent quality costs 60–80% less than a mined stone. That's not a compromise. That's just a better way to buy.
Understanding the 4 Cs
Every diamond — mined or lab-grown — is graded on four criteria. Your IGI certificate will show all four grades for your specific stone.
Cut
How well the diamond has been cut and polished. Cut affects brilliance more than any other factor. For oval and fancy shapes, Excellent Polish and Symmetry is the top grade.
Colour
Graded D (colourless) to Z (yellow tint). D-F are colourless. We recommend E or F — visually identical to D at a better price point.
Clarity
How free the diamond is from inclusions. VVS1/VVS2 inclusions are invisible to the naked eye. Our standard E/VVS2 is exceptional quality.
Carat
The weight of the diamond. Oval diamonds face-up larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight — one reason they're so popular and great value.
Lab-grown vs mined — side by side
| Paola & Co (Lab-Grown) | Traditional Jeweller | |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical composition | 100% Carbon ✓ | 100% Carbon ✓ |
| IGI Certified | ✓ | ✓ |
| 2ct Oval Price | ~$2,990 ✓ | $6,570+ ✗ |
| Wait Time | 3–4 weeks ✓ | 10–12 weeks ✗ |
| Afterpay | ✓ | ✗ |
| Conflict-free | Guaranteed ✓ | ✓ |
Common myths debunked
"Lab diamonds aren't real diamonds"
False. A lab-grown diamond is chemically and physically identical to a mined diamond. The IGI certifies lab-grown stones to the exact same standards as mined ones.
"Lab diamonds have no resale value"
Mostly true — but so do mined diamonds. A mined diamond purchased at retail loses 30–50% the moment you walk out of the store. Buy jewellery because you love it, not as a financial instrument.
"You can tell the difference just by looking"
You cannot. Even trained gemologists cannot distinguish a lab-grown from a mined diamond with the naked eye. Specialised equipment is required.
"Lab diamonds are cheap quality"
Quality is determined by cut, colour, clarity and carat — not origin. Our standard E/VVS2 specification is exceptional quality by any measure.